U.S. patent application number 14/941538 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-19 for gaming device having subsequent game symbol bonus.
The applicant listed for this patent is KING SHOW GAMES, INC.. Invention is credited to Bradley BERMAN, Jacob LAMB.
Application Number | 20160140809 14/941538 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55962177 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160140809 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BERMAN; Bradley ; et
al. |
May 19, 2016 |
GAMING DEVICE HAVING SUBSEQUENT GAME SYMBOL BONUS
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems,
apparatuses and methods for bonusing symbols in subsequent games of
gaming devices based on a current game outcome. Accordingly, a
gaming device can be configured to initiate and display a first
gaming event on a game display of the gaming device. If one or more
symbols appear as part of a predefined criterion, such as being
part of a winning symbol combination, the one or more symbols may
be associated with a modifier, such as a multiplier, in one or more
subsequent gaming events.
Inventors: |
BERMAN; Bradley;
(Minnetonka, MN) ; LAMB; Jacob; (Maple Grove,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KING SHOW GAMES, INC. |
Minnetonka |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55962177 |
Appl. No.: |
14/941538 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62079282 |
Nov 13, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3267 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3213 20130101; G07F 17/3258 20130101;
G07F 17/3211 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20060101
G07F017/32 |
Claims
1. A gaming device comprising: a game display having a game grid of
symbol positions; a wager input device structured to receive
physical currency or currency based tickets, the currency or
currency based tickets establishing a credit balance, the credit
balance being increasable or decreasable based at least on wagering
activity; and a processor operable to: receive a signal to initiate
a first gaming event in response to placement of a wager, the wager
decreasing the credit balance; determine a first game outcome to
display on the game grid; evaluate the game grid for symbol
combinations associated with awards for the first gaming event;
provide any awards for the first gaming event from the evaluation,
where the provided awards increase the credit balance; when a
symbol is used in a symbol combination associated with an award for
the first gaming event, indicate one or more symbols in the symbols
as bonus symbols and determine a bonus multiplier value to use with
the bonus symbols in a second gaming event; receive a signal to
initiate a second gaming event in response to placement of a wager,
the wager decreasing the credit balance; determine a second game
outcome to display on the game grid; evaluate the game grid for
symbol combinations associated with awards for the second gaming
event; determine if any of the symbol combinations associated with
awards in the second gaming event include bonus symbols; when
symbol combinations associated with awards in the second gaming
event include bonus symbols, multiply the awards associated with
the symbol combinations including the bonus symbols in the second
gaming event by the bonus multiplier; and provide any awards for
the second gaming event from the evaluation, where the provided
awards increase the credit balance.
2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further
operable to increment the bonus multiplier for a third gaming event
when symbol combinations associated with awards in the second
gaming event include bonus symbols.
3. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further
operable to maintain the bonus multiplier for a predetermined
number of subsequent gaming events when a symbol is used in a
symbol combination associated with an award for the first gaming
event.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/079,282, filed on Nov. 13, 2014, to which
priority is claimed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) and which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to games, and more
particularly to systems, apparatuses and methods for bonusing
symbols in subsequent games of gaming devices based on a current
game outcome.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Casino games such as poker, slots, and craps have long been
enjoyed as a means of entertainment. Almost any game of chance that
can be played using traditional apparatus (e.g., cards, dice) can
be simulated on a computer. The popularity of casino gambling with
wagering continues to increase, as does recreational gambling such
as non-wagering computer game gambling. It is also likely that most
new games will be implemented, at least in part, using computerized
apparatus.
[0004] One reason that casino games are widely implemented on
computerized apparatus is that computerized games are highly
adaptable, easily configurable and re-configurable, and require
minimal supervision to operate. For example, the graphics and
sounds included in such games can be easily modified to reflect
popular subjects, such as movies and television shows.
[0005] Computer gaming devices can also be easily adapted to
provide entirely new games of chance that might be difficult to
implement using mechanical or discrete electronic circuits. Because
of the ubiquity of computerized gaming machines, players have come
to expect the availability of an ever wider selection of new games
when visiting casinos and other gaming venues. Playing new games
adds to the excitement of "gaming." As is well known in the art and
as used herein, the term "gaming" and "gaming devices" generally
involves some form of wagering, and that players make wagers of
value, whether actual currency or something else of value, e.g.,
token or credit. Wagering-type games usually provide rewards based
on random chance as opposed to skill. In some jurisdictions, the
absence of skill when determining awards during game play is a
requirement.
[0006] The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and
apparatus that provide for new and interesting gaming experiences,
and that provide other advantages over the prior art.
SUMMARY
[0007] To overcome limitations in the prior art described above,
and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon
reading and understanding the present specification, embodiments of
the present invention are directed to an apparatus, system,
computer readable storage media, and/or method that involve or
otherwise facilitate bonusing symbols in subsequent games of gaming
devices based on a current game outcome. In one embodiment, a
gaming device includes a display and a processor that is operable
to initiate a first gaming event, determine an outcome of the first
gaming event, and display the determined outcome of the first
gaming event on the display. The processor is further operable to
identify each symbol used in a symbol combination associated with
an award in a predefined paytable from the determined outcome of
the first gaming event, and associate a bonus condition with the
identified symbols. Additionally, the processor is operable to
initiate a second gaming event, determine an outcome of the second
gaming event, and display the determined outcome of the second
gaming event on the display. The processor is further operable to
modify any symbols or symbol combinations associated with a bonus
condition from the first gaming event.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a gaming machine according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0009] FIGS. 2A-2D are detail diagrams of a gaming device display
illustrating an example game progression according to embodiments
of the invention.
[0010] FIGS. 3A-3H are detail diagrams of a gaming device display
illustrating another example game progression according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIGS. 4A-4F are detail diagrams of a gaming device display
illustrating another example game progression according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0012] FIGS. 5A-5D are detail diagrams of a gaming device display
illustrating another example game progression according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0013] FIGS. 6A-6D are detail diagrams of a gaming device display
illustrating another example game progression according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0014] FIGS. 7A-7F are detail diagrams of a gaming device display
illustrating another example game progression according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0015] FIGS. 8A-8F are detail diagrams of a gaming device display
illustrating another example game progression according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0016] FIGS. 9A-9F are detail diagrams of a gaming device display
illustrating another example game progression according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0017] FIGS. 10A-10F are detail diagrams of a gaming device display
illustrating another example game progression according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0018] FIGS. 11A-11F are detail diagrams of a gaming device display
illustrating another example game progression according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0019] FIGS. 12A-12E are detail diagrams of a gaming device display
illustrating another example game progression according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0020] FIGS. 13A-13E are detail diagrams of a gaming device display
illustrating another example game progression according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a detail diagram of a gaming device display
illustrating an example game event according to embodiments of the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram showing a method for bonusing
symbols in subsequent games of gaming devices based on a current
game outcome according to embodiments of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a computing
arrangement according to embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] In the following description of various exemplary
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which
form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration
representative embodiments in which the features described herein
may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may
be utilized, as structural and operational changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0025] In the description that follows, the terms "reels," "cards,"
"decks," and similar mechanically descriptive language may be used
to describe various apparatus presentation features, as well as
various actions occurring to those objects (e.g., "spin," "draw,"
"hold," "bet"). Although the present disclosure may be applicable
to manual, mechanical, and/or computerized embodiments, as well as
any combination therebetween, the use of mechanically descriptive
terms is not meant to be only applicable to mechanical embodiments.
Those skilled in the art will understand that, for purposes of
providing gaming experiences to players, mechanical elements such
as cards, reels, and the like may be simulated on a display in
order to provide a familiar and satisfying experience that emulates
the behavior of mechanical objects, as well as emulating actions
that occur in the non-computerized games (e.g., spinning, holding,
drawing, betting). Further, the computerized version may provide
the look of mechanical equivalents but may be generally randomized
in a different way. Thus, the terms "cards," "decks," "reels,"
"hands," etc., are intended to describe both physical objects and
emulation or simulations of those objects and their behaviors using
electronic apparatus.
[0026] In various embodiments of the invention, the gaming displays
are described in conjunction with the use of data in the form of
"symbols." In the context of this disclosure, a "symbol" may
generally refer at least to a collection of one or more arbitrary
indicia or signs that have some conventional significance. In
particular, the symbol represents values that can at least be used
to determine whether to award a payout. A symbol may include
numbers, letters, shapes, pictures, textures, colors, sounds, etc.,
and any combination therebetween. A win can be determined by
comparing the symbol with another symbol. Generally, such
comparisons can be performed via software by mapping numbers (or
other data structures such as character strings) to the symbols and
performing the comparisons on the numbers/data structures. Other
conventions associated with known games (e.g., the numerical
value/ordering of face cards and aces in card games) may also be
programmatically analyzed to determine winning combinations.
[0027] Additionally, the terms "games" and "gaming events" are used
in conjunction with describing embodiments of the invention. These
terms may be used interchangeably to describe a single game of
chance, such as the process of receiving a wager through paying any
awards associated with an outcome on the game of chance, or may
describe a portion of a game of chance, such as a process step or
stage within a single game of chance. Additionally, these terms may
refer to multiple games of chance. In one example, a gaming event
may refer to a single stage of a multi-stage game of chance, such
as base game portion of a game of chance. In another example, a
gaming event may refer to multiple "free games" in a bonus won as a
result of a base game portion of a game of chance. Hence, the terms
"game" or "gaming event" should not be limited to a specific
description, illustration, or embodiment.
[0028] Generally, systems, apparatuses and methods are described
for enhancing winning result opportunities in gaming activities by
bonusing symbols in subsequent games of gaming devices based on a
current game outcome. The systems, apparatuses and methods
described herein may be implemented as a single game, or part of a
multi-part game. For example, the game features described herein
may be implemented in primary gaming activities, bonus games, side
bet games or other secondary games associated with a primary gaming
activity. The game features may be implemented in stand-alone
games, multi-player games, etc. Further, the disclosure may be
applied to games of chance, and descriptions provided in the
context of any representative game (e.g. slot game) are provided
for purposes of facilitating an understanding of the features
described herein. However, the principles described herein are
equally applicable to any game of chance where an outcome(s) is
determined for use in the player's gaming activity.
[0029] Embodiments of the present concept include providing gaming
devices (also referred to as gaming apparatuses or gaming
machines), gaming systems, and methods of operating these devices
or systems to provide game play that utilizes operations of
bonusing symbols in subsequent games of gaming devices based on a
current game outcome. In one embodiment, a gaming device includes a
display and a processor that is operable to initiate a first gaming
event, determine an outcome of the first gaming event, and display
the determined outcome of the first gaming event on the display.
The processor is further operable to identify each symbol used in a
symbol combination associated with an award in a predefined
paytable from the determined outcome of the first gaming event, and
associate a bonus condition with the identified symbols.
Additionally, the processor is operable to initiate a second gaming
event, determine an outcome of the second gaming event, and display
the determined outcome of the second gaming event on the display.
The processor is further operable to modify any symbols or symbol
combinations associated with a bonus condition from the first
gaming event.
[0030] In some embodiments a side wager may be required for a
player to be eligible for the symbol bonuses in the subsequent
games. Here, the amount of the side wager may determine which, if
any, symbols are eligible for the bonusing in the subsequent games.
Alternatively, the amount of the side wager may determine the type
or amount of the symbol bonusing in the subsequent games. In other
embodiments, the side wager may be a consistent amount relative to
the primary wager on the game. In yet other embodiments, no side
wager may be required for the symbol bonusing game enhancement to
be active.
[0031] The bonusing of symbols or symbol combinations in one or
more subsequent games may be part of a series of separate games of
chance with separate wagers, and/or may be active during a bonus
event, such as a "free games" or "free spins" bonus event, within a
single game of chance.
[0032] The bonusing of symbols in subsequent games may be triggered
by a game outcome received in a current gaming event.
Alternatively, the symbol bonusing in the subsequent game or games
may be triggered in part or in whole by a random determination made
in the current game. In one example embodiment, a winning symbol
combination received in a current game bonuses the symbols similar
to the symbols used in the winning symbol combination in one or
more future games. For example, in a five reel slot game a game
outcome including the symbols M1 M1 M1 xx xx (that is three "M1"
symbols and two other non-M1 symbols) creates a three symbol win in
the current game and bonuses the M1 symbols in the next (second)
game of chance. In this second game, if, for example, the player
receives M1 M1 M1 M1 xx on a played payline, the player would
receive a bonus. Examples of possible bonusing are provided
below.
[0033] The symbol bonusing in the one or more subsequent games can
be quite different depending on the implemented embodiment. In some
embodiments, the bonused symbols in the subsequent game are
associated with a multiplier. In the above example using the "M1"
symbol combinations, any winning symbol combinations in the second
(subsequent) game that included one or more M1 symbols may be given
a "5.times." multiplier so that award for that symbol combination
is multiplied by "5." The multiplier may be predetermined, may be
based on an amount of a side wager, may be randomly selected from a
table of possible multipliers, may be based on the number of M1
symbols received in the first game, or may be based on the number
of M1 symbols received in the second game. For example, in the
above M1 example, each M1 symbol used in a winning symbol
combination in the second game may be given a "2.times."
multiplier. Thus, since four "M1" symbols were received in the
second game, the award associated with a symbol combination of four
"M1" symbols would be multiplied by 16.times. (2.times. for each of
the M1 symbols received multiplied together). Alternatively, these
multipliers may be summed rather than multiplied. In these
embodiments, the above four "M1" symbol combination in the second
game would have the corresponding award multiplied by 8.times.
(2.times.+2.times.+2.times.+2.times.).
[0034] In other embodiments, symbols bonused in a subsequent game
may be given a bonus credit value. These bonus credit values may
correspond to the number of symbols used in symbol combination in
the subsequent game, may be fixed for any number of symbols in the
subsequent symbol combination, may depend on the amount of a side
wager, and/or may depend on another game condition. In the above
example with the M1 symbols, the second game may be given a fixed
credit bonus award of 100 credits times a coin/line bet. Here, the
amount of the bonus award associated with the symbols is fixed
regardless of the number of symbols received in the winning symbol
combination in the second game. In other embodiments, each M1
symbol received in the second game may be associated with a bonus
credit value. In some embodiments, the symbols received in the
second game do not need to be part of a winning symbol combination.
Rather the bonus credits are awarded solely based on them appearing
on the game grid in the second game outcome. In other embodiments,
the symbols are required to be part of a winning symbol combination
in order to have the bonus credits awarded to the player. In some
embodiments, the value of each received bonused symbol goes up in
the second game. For example, Table 1 may be used to determine the
bonus value of the M1 symbols in the second game in a 5.times.3
grid using the above described example.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Number of Symbols Total Received in
Subsequent Credits for Incremental Bonus for Number of Game Symbol
Received Symbols Received 1 2 2 2 3 5 3 5 10 4 10 20 5 25 45 6 35
80 7 50 120 8 80 200 9 100 300 10 150 450 11 200 650 12 250 900 13
300 1200 14 400 1600 15 900 2500
[0035] While the above example uses predefined values, other
embodiments may randomly select values from a weighted table to
associate with the bonused symbols received in the second game.
[0036] In yet other embodiments, the bonused symbols in the
subsequent game or games are used to trigger a bonus game. The
bonus game may be a second screen bonus, or may be bonus played
directly on the game grid. In one example embodiment, each bonused
symbol on the game grid may become active and can be selected to
reveal a prize. The bonus symbols may need to be part of a winning
symbol combination to be eligible for this selection bonus.
Alternatively, a minimum number or any received bonus symbols may
be activated and associated with an award when selected by a
player. In another example embodiment, receiving a winning
combination of bonused symbols (or a minimum number of bonused
symbols on the game grid) may trigger a second screen bonus, such
as a free games bonus, a pick bonus, or any other type of second
screen bonus.
[0037] In other embodiments, the bonused symbols are bonused by
adding one or more symbols to the symbol combination received in
the second game. In the above example using M1, the four received
M1 symbols in the second game may be bonused by adding another M1
symbol so that it pays as a five-symbol M1 combination from the
paytable instead of a four-symbol M1 combination. This may be
especially useful if three M1 symbols are required for an award in
the paytable, since two M1 symbols received in the second game
would be bumped up to a three-symbol M1 combination and provided
with an award. Here, if a five-symbol M1 combination was received
in the second game, a multiplier may be given or randomly chosen to
multiply the award associated with the five-symbol M1 combination.
Alternatively, six-symbol pays for each type of eligible symbol may
be defined in the paytable. Other types of bonusing are also
possible in other embodiments for five-symbol combinations received
in second or subsequent games.
[0038] In other embodiments, each received M1 symbol may be split
into two M1 symbols in the same symbol location (that is, each
symbol location with M1 may be subdivided into two or more
subsections where each subsection is associated with an M1 symbol.
In the above example, if each M1 symbol split into two M1 symbols,
an eight-symbol M1 symbol combination would be received. In some
embodiments, each bonused symbol has a random chance of being split
into two or more symbols.
[0039] The bonusing of the symbols can last only for the next game
or may continue beyond the second game. In some embodiments, the
symbol may be bonused as long as a winning symbol combination using
the bonused symbols is received. In addition, the bonusing awards
associated with the bonuses symbol may be increased for the third
and subsequent games. In the above M1 symbol example where a
three-symbol M1 symbol combination was received in the first game,
and a four-symbol M1 symbol combination was received in the second
game, suppose that any M1 symbol combination was given a "2.times."
multiplier for the second game. Therefore, the four-symbol M1 award
for the second game was multiplied by 2. However, because another
M1 symbol combination was received, the M1 symbols are further
bonused for the third game. In this example, another M1 symbol
combination received in the third game would be bonused at
"10.times.". This additional bonusing may increase exponentially
since the chances of getting "n" number of games in a row with a
particular type of symbol combination decreases exponentially.
[0040] In some embodiments, other symbol combinations won during
the bonusing of a different symbol may begin their own bonusing
scheme. In other embodiments, the originally bonused symbols may
simply "stay alive" or continue as long as any winning symbol
combination is received, although other winning symbol combination
may or may not start their own bonusing schemes. In yet other
embodiments, a symbol may remain bonused until another symbol
combination using it is received. Hence, in the above M1
embodiment, the three-symbol M1 symbol combination may trigger a
"2.times." multiplier to be activated for any other M1 symbol
combination wins. This multiplier may stay active over the next "n"
number of games until another winning symbol combination including
M1 is received. When this next M1 symbol combination is received,
the award associated with it may be multiplied by "2.times." and
the M1 bonusing may cease until another winning symbol combination
is received with M1 symbols. This active streak of bonused symbols
may only last for a current player of the gaming device (e.g., as
long as there are a minimum number of credits left on the machine),
or may continue until they are otherwise ended by receipt of
another symbol combination.
[0041] In yet other embodiments, the bonusing of the symbol may
last for a fixed number of subsequent games (e.g., three games,
five games, etc.) or for a fixed amount of time (e.g., 1 minute, 3
minutes, etc.). These fixed numbers may be dependent on the amount
of a side wager, a type of triggering win in the current game
(e.g., a 3 symbol win may provide bonusing for 3 additional games
while a five symbol win may provide bonusing for 10 additional
games), or another game condition. In some embodiments, each symbol
may be associated with its own meter for a number of remaining
games where an associated modifier can be used. In other
embodiments, these meters may be entries in a bonus table that
shows each bonused symbol, the number of games remaining for that
bonused symbol, and a modifier/multiplier value associated with the
bonused symbol. Each modifier/multiplier value may be fixed,
increasable, or decreasable. The remaining games may also be
decremented (or incremented and displayed in the table).
[0042] Numerous variations are possible using these and other
embodiments of the inventive concept. Some of these embodiments and
variations are discussed below with reference to the drawings.
However, many other embodiments and variations exist that are
covered by the principles and scope of this concept. For example,
although some of the embodiments discussed below involve reel-based
slot machine examples of this concept, other embodiments include
application of these inventive techniques in other types of slot
games, poker games, or other games of chance. Some of these other
types of embodiments will be discussed below as variations to the
examples illustrated. However, many other types of games can
implement similar techniques and fall within the scope of this
inventive concept.
[0043] Referring to the example gaming apparatus 100 shown in FIG.
1, the gaming apparatus includes a display area 102 (also referred
to as a gaming display), and a player interface area 104, although
some or all of the interactive mechanisms included in the user
interface area 104 may be provided via graphical icons used with a
touch screen in the display area 102 in some embodiments. The
display area 102 may include one or more game displays 106 (also
referred to as "displays" or "gaming displays") that may be
included in physically separate displays or as portions of a common
large display. Here, the game display 106 includes a primary game
play portion 108 that displays game elements and symbols 110, and
an operations portion 109 that can include meters, various game
buttons, or other game information for a player of the gaming
device 100.
[0044] The user interface 104 allows the user to control and engage
in play of the gaming machine 100. The particular user interface
mechanisms included with user interface 104 may be dependent on the
type of gaming device. For example, the user interface 104 may
include one or more buttons, switches, joysticks, levers, pull-down
handles, trackballs, voice-activated input, or any other user input
system or mechanism that allows the user to play the particular
gaming activity.
[0045] The user interface 104 may allow the user or player to enter
coins, bills, or otherwise obtain credits through vouchers, tokens,
credit cards, tickets, etc. Various mechanisms for entering such
vouchers, tokens, credit cards, coins, tickets, etc. are described
below with reference to FIG. 2. For example, currency input
mechanisms, card readers, credit card readers, smart card readers,
punch card readers, radio frequency identifier (RFID) readers, and
other mechanisms may be used to enter wagers. The user interface
104 may also include a mechanism to read and/or validate player
loyalty information to identify a user or player of the gaming
device. This mechanism may be card reader, biometric scanner,
keypad, or other input device. It is through the user interface 104
that the player can initiate and engage in gaming activities. While
the illustrated embodiment depicts various buttons for the user
interface 104, it should be recognized that a wide variety of user
interface options are available for use in connection with the
present invention, including pressing buttons, touching a segment
of a touch-screen, entering text, entering voice commands, or other
known data entry methodology.
[0046] The game display 106 in the display area 102 may include one
or more of an electronic display, a video display, a mechanical
display, and fixed display information, such as paytable
information associated with a glass/plastic panel on the gaming
machine 100 and/or graphical images. The symbols or other indicia
associated with the play of the game may be presented on an
electronic display device or on mechanical devices associated with
a mechanical display. Generally, the display 106 devotes the
largest portion of viewable area to the primary gaming portion 108.
The primary gaming portion 108 is generally where the visual
feedback for any selected game is provided to the user. The primary
gaming portion 108 may render graphical objects such as cards, slot
reels, dice, animated characters, and any other gaming visual known
in the art. The primary gaming portion 108 also typically informs
players of the outcome of any particular event, including whether
the event resulted in a win or loss.
[0047] In some the example embodiments illustrated herein, the
primary gaming portion 108 may display a grid (or equivalent
arrangement) of game elements 110 or game element positions (also
referred to as "reel stop positions" herein). As illustrated in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the grid includes three rows and five
columns of game elements 110, which may form a game outcome of a
game play event from which prizes are determined. In some slot
machine examples, each column may display a portion of a game reel.
The game reels may include a combination of game symbols in a
predefined order. In mechanical examples, the game reels may
include physical reel strips where game symbols are shown in images
fixed on the reel strips. Virtual reel strips may be mapped to
these physical reel positions shown on the reel strips to expand
the range or diversity of game outcomes. In video slot examples,
reel strips may be encoded in a memory or database and virtual
reels may be used for the game reels with images representing the
data related to the reel strips. In other slot machine embodiments,
each reel stop position on the grid may be associated with an
independent reel strip. In yet other slot machine embodiments,
reels and/or reel strips may not be used at all in determining the
symbols shown in the game element positions of the grid. For
example, a symbol may be randomly selected for each game element
position, or the symbols may be determined in part by game events
occurring during game play, such as displayed elements being
replaced by new game elements or symbols. Numerous variations are
possible for implementing slot-type game play.
[0048] The primary gaming portion 108 may include other features
known in the art that facilitate gaming, such as status and control
portion 109. As is generally known in the art, this portion 109
provides information about current bets, current wins, remaining
credits, etc. associated with gaming activities of the grid of game
elements 110. The control portion 109 may also provide touchscreen
controls for facilitating game play. The grid of game elements 110
may also include touchscreen features, such as facilitating
selection of individual symbols, or user controls over stopping or
spinning reels. The game display 106 of the display area 102 may
include other features that are not shown, such as paytables,
navigation controls, etc.
[0049] FIGS. 2A-2D, 3A-3H, FIGS. 4A-4F, FIGS. 5A-5D, FIGS. 6A-6D,
FIGS. 7A-7F, FIGS. 8A-8F, FIGS. 9A-9F, FIGS. 10A-10F, and FIGS.
11A-11F are detail diagrams of gaming displays showing various
example embodiments of game progressions using principles of the
invention. Although these specific example embodiments are shown,
many additional embodiments and variations are possible that fall
within the broad scope and spirit of the invention. In these detail
diagrams, some features of the display devices may be omitted or
simplified so as not to obscure elements that are being
discussed.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, a gaming display 200 includes a
game grid 210 in a game play area displaying portions of multiple
game reels 220. The game display also includes a control area
having various buttons and meters, such as a "Spin" button 250, a
"Total Bet" meter 256, and a "Paid" meter 258. In FIG. 2A, the game
reels 220 are spun when a first gaming event is initiated. In FIG.
2B, the game reels 220 are stopped to show a first game outcome in
the game grid 210. As shown in FIG. 2B, a symbol combination of
"shaded 7" symbols 225 is received on a center horizontal payline,
which is emphasized by markings such as win boxes 230 outlining the
symbols involved in the winning combination. In other embodiments,
these symbols forming a winning symbol combination may be set apart
or otherwise emphasized in different manners to communicate to the
player that they were a winning combination.
[0051] In FIG. 2C, a message box 290 is displayed to inform the
player that a bonus has been triggered for the shaded 7s symbols
225, which will be applied in the next gaming event. This bonus is
triggered in this example embodiment based on the shaded 7 symbols
225 being involved in a win in the first (current) gaming event. In
some embodiments, only specific symbols may be eligible to trigger
similar bonuses on subsequent games, where the specific symbols may
be predefined or randomly during the first gaming event. In other
embodiments, any winning symbol combination may trigger the bonus
for similar symbols in subsequent gaming events. Winning symbol
combinations are generally those symbol combinations that are
associated with awards in a game paytable. In other embodiments,
however, bonuses on subsequent symbols may be triggered partially
or entirely on other game conditions and/or random/mystery
events.
[0052] As shown in the message box 290, any winning symbol
combinations in the next gaming event that include shaded 7 symbols
225 will have an associated award multiplied by "5.times.." FIG. 2
D illustrates a second gaming event outcome shown on the game grid
210 of the game display 200. Here, a four-symbol shaded 7 symbol
225 win is received on top horizontal payline as shown by the win
box 231. A bonus indicator 260 also shows the current symbol
modification bonus that is active for this gaming event, which in
this case is a "5.times." multiplier associated with the shaded 7
symbols 325. As shown in the Paid Meter 258, the typical 50 credit
award associated with the four symbol combination is multiplied by
"5.times." for a total pay of 250 credits.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3H, a gaming display 300 includes a
game grid 310 in a game play area displaying portions of multiple
game reels 320. The game display also includes a control area
having various buttons and meters, such as a "Spin" button 350, a
"Total Bet" meter 356, and a "Paid" meter 358. In FIG. 3A, the game
reels 320 are spun when a first gaming event is initiated. In FIG.
3B, the game reels 320 are stopped to show a first game outcome in
the game grid 310. As shown in FIG. 3B, a symbol combination of
"shaded 7" symbols 325 is received on a center horizontal payline,
which is emphasized by markings such as win boxes 330 outlining the
symbols involved in the winning combination.
[0054] In FIG. 3C, a message box 390 indicates that this winning
symbol combination has triggered a bonus where any winning symbol
combination included shaded 7 symbols 325 in a subsequent gaming
event will be modified by a "5.times." multiplier. In FIG. 3D, the
player again receives a four symbol win for the shaded 7 symbols
325 and has an associated award multiplied by the "5.times."
multiplier as shown in the bonus indicator 360. In FIG. 3E, the
message box 390 appears again after this second gaming event to
indicate that the shaded 7 symbols 325 have been bonuses again and
are now associated with a "25.times." multiplier for any winning
symbol combinations including the shaded 7 symbols in the next (now
third) gaming event.
[0055] FIG. 3F illustrates the outcome of the third game event,
where the player has received another winning symbol combination
using the shaded 7 symbols 325. In this instance, the winning
symbol combination includes a "Wild" symbol 326. However, because a
shaded 7 symbol 325 is involved with the winning symbol
combination, the associated credit pay for the three symbol win of
20 credits is multiplied by "25.times." in the bonus indicator 361
for a total award of 500 credits, as shown in the Paid Meter 358.
The bonus multiplier associated with particular symbol continues to
increase each time it consecutively appears in a winning symbol
combination in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3G, the symbol
bonus for shaded 7 symbols 325 is now set to a "200.times."
multiplier. However, in FIG. 3H, a winning symbol combination with
shaded 7 symbols 325 is not received and the bonusing of that
symbol ends.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4F, a gaming display 400 includes a
game grid 410 in a game play area displaying portions of multiple
game reels 420. The game display also includes a control area
having various buttons and meters, such as a "Spin" button 450, a
"Total Bet" meter 456, and a "Paid" meter 458. In FIG. 4A, the game
reels 420 are spun when a first gaming event is initiated. In FIG.
4B, the game reels 420 are stopped to show a first game outcome in
the game grid 410. As shown in FIG. 4B, a symbol combination of
"shaded 7" symbols 425 is received on a center horizontal payline,
which is emphasized by markings such as win boxes 430 outlining the
symbols involved in the winning combination.
[0057] In FIG. 4C, a message box 490 indicates that this winning
symbol combination has triggered a bonus where any winning symbol
combination including shaded 7 symbols 425 that are received in any
of the next three games will be modified by a "2.times." multiplier
for each shaded 7 symbol in the winning combination. In FIG. 4D,
the outcome of the second gaming event is displayed. A bonus
indicator 460 shows the current bonus level for the identified
symbols, and a bonus meter 462 shows the number of remaining games
in which the symbol bonus is active. As shown, this second gaming
outcome does not include a winning symbol combination. Play then
proceeds to the third gaming event, which is shown in FIG. 4E.
Here, four shaded 7 symbols 425 are part of a winning symbol
combination, as outlined by the win box 431. Each of the four
shaded 7 symbols 425 is associated with a "2.times." multiplier and
the associated award of 50 credits for the four symbol pay is
multiplied by the sum of the multipliers, which is "8.times.," for
a total award of 400 credits. In some embodiments the multipliers
may be multiplied together instead of added together, which would
provide a "16.times." multiplier. As shown in FIG. 4E, the bonus
indicator maintains the bonus amount for shaded 7s at "2.times."
each. In other embodiments, however, the bonus value may be
increased as the games on the bonus meter 462 counts down, or may
by increased when additional winning symbol combinations included
the bonused symbols are received.
[0058] In the fourth gaming event, no winning game outcomes are
received as shown in FIG. 4F. Since the three bonused gaming events
have now been played, the bonusing of the shaded 7 symbols 425 will
be removed for the next gaming event.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, a gaming display 500 includes a
game grid 510 in a game play area displaying portions of multiple
game reels 520. The game display also includes a control area
having various buttons and meters, such as a "Spin" button 550, a
"Total Bet" meter 556, and a "Paid" meter 558. In FIG. 5A, the game
reels 520 are spun when a first gaming event is initiated. In FIG.
5B, the game reels 520 are stopped to show a first game outcome in
the game grid 510. As shown in FIG. 5B, a symbol combination of
"shaded 7" symbols 525 is received on a center horizontal payline,
which is emphasized by markings such as win boxes 530 outlining the
symbols involved in the winning combination.
[0060] In FIG. 5C, a message box 590 indicates that this winning
symbol combination has triggered a bonus where any shaded 7 symbols
525 received in the next gaming event will receive a credit award.
As discussed above, there are many variations in awarding these
credits, such as providing the same credit value for each bonused
symbol appearing in the next gaming event, or, as shown here,
incrementing the value of each bonused symbol appearing on the game
grid 510 in the next gaming event according to a rule or table.
Here, the credit values for the bonused symbols are based on the
values shown in Table 1 above.
[0061] In FIG. 5D, the outcome of the second gaming event is
displayed. Here, five different shaded 7 symbols 525 appear on the
game grid 510. In this embodiment, the shaded 7 symbols appearing
do not have to be part of a winning symbol combination to be
bonused. As shown above in Table 1, each additional bonused symbol
appearing is given an increasing bonus credit amount. Here, the
first symbol is worth 2 credits, the second is worth 3 credits, the
third is worth 5 credits, the fourth is worth 10 credits, and the
fifth is worth 15 credits for a total bonus award of 45 credits, as
shown on the Paid Meter 558.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6D, a gaming display 600 includes a
game grid 610 in a game play area displaying portions of multiple
game reels 620. The game display also includes a control area
having various buttons and meters, such as a "Spin" button 650, a
"Total Bet" meter 656, and a "Paid" meter 658. In FIG. 6A, the game
reels 620 are spun when a first gaming event is initiated. In FIG.
6B, the game reels 620 are stopped to show a first game outcome in
the game grid 610. As shown in FIG. 6B, a symbol combination of
"shaded 7" symbols 625 is received on a center horizontal payline,
which is emphasized by markings such as win boxes 630 outlining the
symbols involved in the winning combination.
[0063] In FIG. 6C, a message box 690 indicates that this winning
symbol combination has triggered a bonus where any symbol
combinations including shaded 7 symbols 625 that are received in
the next game will be modified by adding another shaded 7 symbol to
the winning combination. Thus, a 2-symbol combination of shaded 7
symbols 625 would become a 3-symbol combination and be eligible for
the improved award associated with the higher count symbol
combination.
[0064] In FIG. 6D, the outcome of the second gaming event is
displayed. Here, a four-symbol shaded 7 symbol 425 winning
combination is received as shown by the win box 631. Since this is
the bonused symbol, however, a fifth shaded 7 symbol 627 is added
to the combination and the win box is extended 632 to include this
added symbol. As shown on the Paid Meter, the player is awarded for
a five symbol pay with 250 credits.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7F, a gaming display 700 includes a
game grid 710 in a game play area displaying portions of multiple
game reels 720. The game display also includes a control area
having various buttons and meters, such as a "Spin" button 750, a
"Total Bet" meter 756, and a "Paid" meter 758. In FIG. 7A, the game
reels 720 are spun when a first gaming event is initiated. In FIG.
7B, the game reels 720 are stopped to show a first game outcome in
the game grid 710. As shown in FIG. 7B, a symbol combination of
"shaded 7" symbols 725 is received on a center horizontal payline,
which is emphasized by markings such as win boxes 730 outlining the
symbols involved in the winning combination.
[0066] In FIG. 7C, a message box 790 indicates that this winning
symbol combination has triggered a bonus where any shaded 7 symbols
725 that are received in the next game will be modified by randomly
splitting one or more of the shaded 7 symbols. In some embodiments,
the bonused symbols may be split to provide a copy of the symbol in
the same game grid location. In other embodiments, the bonused
symbol is placed in a portion of the game grid position and another
symbol is established in the other section of the same symbol
position. This other symbol may be chosen randomly, or may be
provided by cascading the above symbols down from the reel symbols
on the associated reel strip 720 to fill the empty symbol position
section.
[0067] In FIG. 7D, a second gaming outcome for a second gaming
event is displayed. Here, four shaded 7 symbols 725 are received
and highlighted in boxes 731. For each of the bonused symbols, a
random drawing is held to determine if the symbol will be split. As
shown in FIG. 7E, three out of the four bonused symbols are split
into double shaded 7 symbols 727. Here, each seven is counted as
part of a payline. Hence, as shown in FIG. 7F, the player is paid
50 credits for a four symbol pay in the middle horizontal payline,
and 20 credits for a three symbol pay on the "V-shaped" payline
starting at the upper left corner of the game grid 710. This
results in a total award of 70 credits.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8F, a gaming display 800 includes a
game grid 810 in a game play area displaying portions of multiple
game reels 820. The game display also includes a control area
having various buttons and meters, such as a "Spin" button 850, a
"Total Bet" meter 856, and a "Paid" meter 858. In FIG. 8A, the game
reels 820 are spun when a first gaming event is initiated. In FIG.
8B, the game reels 820 are stopped to show a first game outcome in
the game grid 810. As shown in FIG. 8B, a symbol combination of
"shaded 7" symbols 825 is received on a center horizontal payline,
which is emphasized by markings such as win boxes 830 outlining the
symbols involved in the winning combination.
[0069] Although a messaging screen is not shown in this embodiment,
messaging may be provided to notify a player that they are
receiving a symbol bonus on one or more subsequent gaming event. In
this embodiment, a symbol bonus is active or alive as long as any
win appears on the game grid. Further, if a second win happens for
an already bonused symbol, the bonusing of that symbol increases.
Here, since the bonusing is a multiplier associated with winning
symbol combinations having bonused symbols, subsequent wins with
bonused symbols increase the associated multiplier.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 8C, a second game outcome for a second
gaming event is shown. Note that the bonusing of the shaded 7
symbols 825 from the first gaming event is indicated in the bonus
indicator 860. With this second game outcome, a winning combination
is received for the orange symbols 826 along the top horizontal pay
line as shown by win box 832. Since a win was received, the bonus
of the shaded 7 symbol 825 is maintained, and a bonus for the
orange symbols 826 is implemented for the subsequent games, as
shown in the second bonus indicator 862 in FIG. 8D. FIG. 8D shows
the outcome of the third gaming event. Here, a four-symbol win for
the orange symbols 826 is received as shown by the win box 833.
Since oranges were bonused, the 40 credit award for the four symbol
pay is multiplied by "2.times." for an 80 credit win. Additionally,
since any win was received, the bonus for the shaded 7 symbols 825
is maintained. The second bonus indicator 862 is then updated to
reflect that the bonus associated with the orange symbols is
increased to "10.times.," as shown in FIG. 8E.
[0071] FIG. 8E shows the outcome of the fourth game event. Here,
yet another symbol type gets a win: the single bar symbols 827, as
shown by win box 834. The player is paid 10 credits for this three
symbol win. FIG. 8E also shows the creation of a third bonus
indicator 863 to show that the single bars are now bonused at a
"2.times." rate. This bonusing continues until a winning symbol
combination is not received on the game grid 810. Once a game
outcome is received without a winning symbol combination, the bonus
indicators 860, 862, 863 are removed and the game returns to an
un-bonused state, as shown in FIG. 8F.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 9A-9F, a gaming display 900 includes a
game grid 910 in a game play area displaying portions of multiple
game reels 920. The game display also includes a control area
having various buttons and meters, such as a "Spin" button 950, a
"Total Bet" meter 956, and a "Paid" meter 958. In FIG. 9A, the game
reels 920 are spun when a first gaming event is initiated. In FIG.
9B, the game reels 920 are stopped to show a first game outcome in
the game grid 910. As shown in FIG. 9B, a symbol combination of
"shaded 7" symbols 925 is received on a center horizontal payline,
which is emphasized by markings such as win boxes 930 outlining the
symbols involved in the winning combination.
[0073] In FIG. 9C, a message box 990 indicates that this winning
symbol combination has triggered a bonus where any shaded 7 symbols
925 received in the next gaming event will become associated with a
secondary bonus. Here, the secondary bonus involves randomly
choosing a mystery credit value for each of the shown shaded 7
symbols 925 and making each symbol selectable. The player is then
allowed to select one of the shaded 7 symbols 925 to receive the
associated mystery credit prize. In some embodiments, the player
may need to receive a minimum number of bonused symbols to be
eligible for this secondary bonus. In other embodiments, the
bonused symbols may need to be part of a line pay or other winning
symbol combination to be eligible for the secondary bonus.
Additional bonus options are implemented in different embodiments
as discussed above.
[0074] In FIG. 9D, the outcome of the second gaming event is
displayed. Here, five different shaded 7 symbols 925 appear on the
game grid 910. In this embodiment, the shaded 7 symbols appearing
do not have to be part of a winning symbol combination to be
bonused, but a minimum of three symbols must be received to trigger
the secondary bonus. In FIG. 9E, these bonused symbols 925 become
selectable in selection boxes 931. In FIG. 9F, a player has
selected the middle bonused symbol 932 in the first column for an
award of 150 credits. The other mystery credit values may be
revealed for the other bonus symbols 925 that were not
selected.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10F, a gaming display 1000 includes a
game grid 1010 in a game play area displaying portions of multiple
game reels 1020. The game display also includes a control area
having various buttons and meters, such as a "Spin" button 1050, a
"Total Bet" meter 1056, and a "Paid" meter 1058. In FIG. 10A, the
game reels 1020 are spun when a first gaming event is initiated. In
FIG. 10B, the game reels 1020 are stopped to show a first game
outcome in the game grid 1010. As shown in FIG. 10B, a symbol
combination of "shaded 7" symbols 1025 is received on a center
horizontal payline, which is emphasized by markings such as win
boxes 1030 outlining the symbols involved in the winning
combination.
[0076] In FIG. 10C, a message box 1090 indicates that this winning
symbol combination has triggered a bonus where the next winning
symbol combination that includes shaded 7 symbols will be bonused
with a "2.times." multiplier. The bonusing of the shaded 7 symbol
is reflected in the bonus indicator 1060 shown in FIG. 10D. FIG.
10D also shows the outcome of the second gaming event. Here, no
winning symbol combinations were received, but the symbol bonus
stays active. In FIG. 10E, a winning combination of another symbol
is received in the third gaming event. However, because one symbol
is already bonused, this new symbol is not bonused. In other
embodiments, the new "9" symbol would become bonused and the shaded
7 symbol would no longer be bonused, or, as shown above, both
symbols may become bonused. In FIG. 10F, a fourth game outcome is
displayed. Here, a winning symbol combination including the bonused
shaded 7 symbols 1025 is received and shown in win box 1031, and
the pay associated with the winning symbol combination is
multiplied by "2.times." as shown in the Paid meter 1058. Since the
bonus has now been used, the bonus indicator 1060 is updated and
then removed in the subsequent game event and no symbol is bonused
for the next game.
[0077] Referring to FIGS. 11A-11F, a gaming display 1100 shows a
video poker game and includes a poker hand 1110 in a game play area
displaying five playing cards 1120. The game display 1100 also
includes a control area having various buttons and meters, such as
a "Deal" button 1140, a "Total Bet" meter 1146, a "Credit" meter
1142, and a "Paid" meter 1144. Additionally, "Hold" buttons 1130
are provided for each card position in the poker hand 1110. In FIG.
11A, a first gaming event is initiated and five cards 1120 are
dealt in the poker hand 1110. These dealt cards are shown in FIG.
11B for the first gaming event. In FIG. 11C, the player has "held"
the two "8" cards and drawn new cards to complete the draw poker
hand in the first gaming event. As shown in FIG. 11C, the player
has drawn another "8" to get a three-of-a-kind poker hand. A
message box 1190 is provided to inform the player of the bonusing
of the "8s" for the next gaming event. Here, if any of the 8s are
used in any other winning poker hand in the next gaming event, a
bonus, such as a multiplier, would be used to modify the award or
game outcome in the subsequent gaming event. Here, any winning hand
in the next gaming event would have an associated award multiplied
by a "5.times." multiplier. In other embodiments, the
three-of-a-kind type of win itself may be bonused in subsequent
gaming events such that any three-of-a-kind received may be
modified with, for example, a multiplier.
[0078] In FIG. 11D, a poker hand 1110 is dealt for a second gaming
event. Here, it may be in the interest of the player to hold the
dealt 8 of spades as it is one of the bonused cards. As shown in
FIG. 11E, the player has held the 8 of spades along with the King
of hearts, and has received replacement cards for the non-held
cards to form a final poker hand. As indicated by the message box
1190, a "5.times." multiplier was won since the 8 of spades is in
the final hand and the final hand is a winning hand. In some
embodiments, if a player receives multiple ones of the bonused
cards, the multipliers (or other bonus type) can be added together,
multiplied together, or otherwise improved. Returning to FIG. 11E,
the 5 credit award for a pair of Kings is multiplied by the
"5.times." multiplier to give a final pay out of 25 credits. Since
the bonus was used on a winning hand, a double bonus is provided
for the subsequent hand as shown by the message box 1190 in FIG.
11F. Here, since the Kings were the winning cards, they are bonused
in the next poker hand, which is dealt in FIG. 11F. Additionally,
the bonus amount goes up to "15.times." for this next poker hand if
a winning hand is received where one of the specified Kings are
used.
[0079] Referring to FIGS. 12A-12E, a gaming display 1200 shows a
video poker game and includes a poker hand 1210 in a game play area
displaying five playing cards 1220, as well as paytable information
1202. The game display 1200 also includes a control area having
various buttons and meters, such as a "Deal" button 1240, a "Total
Bet" meter 1246, a "Credit" meter 1242, and a "Paid" meter 1244.
Additionally, "Hold" buttons 1230 are provided for each card
position in the poker hand 1210. In FIG. 12A, a first gaming event
is initiated where five cards 1220 from a deck of cards is selected
to be dealt in the poker hand 1210. These dealt cards 1220 are
displayed and signals are received from player inputs to hold none,
some, or all of the cards in the poker hand 1210. Replacement cards
from the deck of cards are used to replace any discarded (non-held)
cards to complete a final poker hand 1210 for the first gaming
event, which is shown in FIG. 12B. Here, the player has held the 8S
(8 of spades) and 8D from the dealt hand and has drawn the
remaining three cards including an 8H.
[0080] This results in a three-of-a-kind for the "8s" (eights),
which has a 15 credit award as shown in the Paid meter 1244. Also,
because the "8s" were used in a winning hand, a bonus table 1290
appears which shows a multiplier to be used in the next "x" number
of gaming events. Here, bonus table 1290 includes a first entry
1291 showing that wins having an "8" card included will receive an
extra "3.times." multiplier for any awards, provided that the win
occurs in the next seven games. In this example embodiment, all
table entries in the bonus table 1290 are given a seven card window
to be used. The multiplier value is fixed and is dependent on the
type of winning combination. Here, since the win was a 3-of-a-kind,
the fixed multiplier was a "3.times." multiplier. Pairs and two
pair wins may be given a "2.times." multiplier while quads
(4-of-a-kind) may be given a "25.times." value. Straights, flushes,
and full houses may have a multiplier only associated with one
value (such as the highest numbered card in the straight or flush,
and the 3-of-a-kind portion of the full house), may have their own
entry in the table (i.e., if another straight is received in the
next 7 games, a "4.times." multiplier is give, etc.), or another
rule may be used to include these winning combinations in the bonus
table 1290.
[0081] In FIG. 12C, the player has received a pair of kings in the
second gaming event on the game display 1200. Here, a second entry
1292 is made in the bonus table 1290, and the number of games
remaining for the first entry 1291 is decremented. Here, because
the winning combination was a pair of cards, the multiplier
associated with the second table entry 1292 is "2.times.". However,
in other embodiments, all winning combinations may have the same
multiplier value, or the multiplier value may be chosen at random.
In FIG. 12D, the outcome of the third gaming event is shown, and no
winning combinations are received. Here, both the first and second
entries 1291, 1292 in the bonus table 1290 have their respective
remaining game number decremented.
[0082] In FIG. 12E, the outcome of the fourth gaming event is
shown, where an 8S is received as part of a straight. Hence,
because an "8" was part of another winning combination, the award
associated with that winning combination is award the multiplier
value associated with "8" in the bonus table 1290. Since that
multiplier value was "3.times." (see FIG. 12D), a message window
1299 is shown with the awarded multiplier and the 20 credits
associated with a straight is multiplied by "3.times." to give a 60
credit win as shown in the Paid meter 1244. In this embodiment,
because "8" was used, it is removed as an entry from the bonus
table 1290. In other words, the entries in the bonus table 1290
must be used by the number of remaining games shown with each
entry. If they are used, they are awarded and removed. However, in
other embodiments, the entries remain for the all of the specified
games. So in the above embodiment, any wins with "8" as part of the
win in the next 4 games would also get a "3.times." multiplier. In
yet other embodiment, not only do the entries remain, but they may
be positively incremented. In some of these embodiments, the
remaining game number is reset to seven games, and the multiplier
value may either remain at the previous fixed number, may be set to
whatever number is associated with the new winning symbol
combination, or may be incremented over the previous fixed value.
For example, since the new winning symbol combination in FIG. 12E
was a straight with "8" as the highest value, the new multiplier
value associated with "8s" may be "4.times." (i.e., the value
associated with straights), may be "7.times." by combining the
previous "3.times." value with the new "4.times." value, or may be
incremented a different way, such as by using the product of the
multipliers. In other embodiments, the remaining games number for a
table entry may be maintained, but the multiplier value may be
increased by one of the methods described above. Thus, in the above
example, the table entry for "8" would remain for another 4 gaming
events, but now have a "7.times." (or other) multiplier associated
with it.
[0083] FIGS. 13A-13E show a similar game progression to the one
shown in FIGS. 12A-12F, but use a different bonus mechanic.
Referring to FIGS. 13A-13E, a gaming display 1300 shows a video
poker game and includes a poker hand 1310 in a game play area
displaying five playing cards 1320, as well as paytable information
1302. The game display 1300 also includes a control area having
various buttons and meters, such as a "Deal" button 1340, a "Total
Bet" meter 1346, a "Credit" meter 1342, and a "Paid" meter 1344.
Additionally, "Hold" buttons 1330 are provided for each card
position in the poker hand 1310. In FIG. 13A, a first gaming event
is initiated where five cards 1320 from a deck of cards is selected
to be dealt in the poker hand 1310. These dealt cards 1320 are
displayed and signals are received from player inputs to hold none,
some, or all of the cards in the poker hand 1310. Replacement cards
from the deck of cards are used to replace any discarded (non-held)
cards to complete a final poker hand 1310 for the first gaming
event, which is shown in FIG. 13B. Here, the player has held the 8S
(8 of spades) and 8D from the dealt hand and has drawn the
remaining three cards including an 8H.
[0084] This results in a three-of-a-kind for the "8s" (eights),
which has a 15 credit award as shown in the Paid meter 1344. Also,
because the "8s" were used in a winning hand, a bonus table 1290
appears which shows a multiplier to be used in the next "x" number
of gaming events. Here, bonus table 1390 includes a first entry
1391 showing that wins having an "8" card included will receive an
extra "12.times." multiplier for any awards, provided that the win
occurs in the next seven games. In this example embodiment, all
table entries in the bonus table 1390 are given a seven card window
to be used. The multiplier value, however, is not fixed and is set
at initial value and then decremented for each gaming event.
Alternatively, in other embodiments, the multiplier value may be
set at an initial value and incremented for each gaming event.
Here, the initial value of the multiplier is dependent on the type
of winning combination. In this embodiment, since the win was a
3-of-a-kind, the fixed multiplier was a "12.times." multiplier.
Pairs and two pair wins may be given a "8.times." multiplier while
quads (4-of-a-kind) may be given a "25.times." value. Straights,
flushes, and full houses may have a multiplier only associated with
one value (such as the highest numbered card in the straight or
flush, and the 3-of-a-kind portion of the full house), may have
their own entry in the table (i.e., if another straight is received
in the next 7 games, a "20.times." multiplier is give, etc.), or
another rule may be used to include these winning combinations in
the bonus table 1390.
[0085] In FIG. 13C, the player has received a pair of kings in the
second gaming event on the game display 1300. Here, a second entry
1392 is made in the bonus table 1390, and the number of games
remaining and the associated multiplier value for the first entry
1391 are decremented. Here, because the winning combination was a
pair of cards, the multiplier associated with the second table
entry 1392 is "8.times.". However, in other embodiments, all
winning combinations may have the same multiplier value, or the
multiplier value may be chosen at random. In FIG. 13D, the outcome
of the third gaming event is shown, and no winning combinations are
received. Here, both the first and second entries 1391, 1392 in the
bonus table 1390 have their respective remaining game number and
next game multiplier value decremented.
[0086] In FIG. 13E, the outcome of the fourth gaming event is
shown, where an 8S is received as part of a straight. Hence,
because an "8" was part of another winning combination, the award
associated with that winning combination is award the multiplier
value associated with "8" in the bonus table 1390. Since that
multiplier value was "10.times." (see FIG. 13D), a message window
1399 is shown with the awarded multiplier and the 20 credits
associated with a straight is multiplied by "10.times." to give a
400 credit win as shown in the Paid meter 1344. In this embodiment,
the first table entry 1391 for the "8s" remains in the bonus table
1390, but has its remaining game number decremented. In other
embodiments, the remaining game number could be reset to 7 games
and/or the multiplier value could be reset to another "initial"
value. Here, since the current win was a straight with "8" as the
highest value, the value of the multiplier may be set to the value
associated with a straight (20.times.), the value associated with
the straight may be added to the current value of the multiplier
(29.times.), or another technique may be used to set a new higher
multiplier value.
[0087] FIG. 14 shows a multi-hand poker embodiment using the
subsequent symbol-based bonus feature implemented. Referring to
FIG. 14, a gaming display 1400 shows a video poker game and
includes a first poker hand 1410, a second poker hand 1412, and a
third poker hand 1414 in a game play area where each had displays
five playing cards 1420. The game display 1400 also includes a
control area having various buttons and meters, such as a "Deal"
button 1440, a "Total Bet" meter 1446, a "Credit" meter 1442, and a
"Paid" meter 1444. Additionally, "Hold" buttons 1430 are provided
for each card position in the poker hand 1410. In this embodiment,
the result of a gaming event is shown where five cards 1320 from a
deck of cards were dealt to the first poker hand 1410. After these
dealt cards 1420 were displayed, signals received from player
inputs to hold none, some, or all of the cards in the first poker
hand 1410, caused cards to be held in each of the first, second,
and third poker hands 1410, 1412, 1414. Replacement cards from the
deck of cards were then drawn to replace any discarded (non-held)
cards in the first poker hand 1410, and separate replacement cards
were drawn from separate decks to complete the second poker hand
1412 and third poker hand 1414. The gaming display also includes a
bonus table 1490 including bonus entries 1491, 1492. Here, an
existing first entry 1491 is associated with any of 8S, 8D, 8H and
a new second table entry 1492 is made based on the receipt of the
pair of kings from the first poker hand 1410 shown. In this
embodiment, the cards values in the table include both the rank and
suit of the cards rather than only the card rank as shown in the
previous embodiments. These cards may have to be part of another
winning symbol combination to have the associated multiplier
awarded, or may only have to appear in the final poker hand as
described in other embodiments above.
[0088] Although some types of poker games are illustrated above,
many variations exist for the bonusing of the poker cards or
symbols in other poker games. Additionally the above poker examples
may be configured to combine other features from other illustrated
embodiments or descriptions herein to implement a poker game where
bonused cards found in any winning hand create multipliers or other
bonuses.
[0089] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram representing methods in which a
gaming device and/or gaming system can be operated according to
embodiments of the invention. Although various processes are shown
in a particular order in this flow diagram, the order of these
processes can be changed in other embodiments without deviating
from the scope or spirit of this concept. Hence, the order of the
processes shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant
to be restrictive. Additional game processes may also be included
between various processes even though they are not shown in these
flow diagrams for clarity purposes. Further each of the processes
may be performed by components in a single game device, such as by
a game processor, or may be performed in part or whole by a remote
server or processor connected to the gaming device via a network.
Each process may be encoded in instructions that are stored in a
memory, a computer-readable medium, or another type of storage
device. Note that these example methods are just some embodiments
of how the steps of a game operation can be implemented. As
discussed and shown above, many variations exist which may require
additional, fewer, or different processes to complete.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 15, flow 1500 begins at process 1505 where
a first gaming event is initiated. As discussed above, this gaming
event may be a base game event, a "free spin" in a free games
bonus, or another type of gaming event. In process 1510, a first
game outcome is determined. The first game outcome is displayed on
a game display in process 1515. Game circuitry or a game processor
identifies symbols in any winning symbol combinations in process
1520. These identified symbols are then associated with bonus
conditions that are implemented in one or more subsequent games in
process 1525. Theses bonus conditions may be displayed in a message
to the player in the first gaming event to inform the player of the
bonus situation for the following gaming event, or may not be
displayed until a second gaming event is initiated. Either way, the
second gaming event is initiated in process 1530, and flow 1500
proceeds to process 1535 to determine a second game outcome. This
second game outcome is displayed in process 1540. In process 1545,
the symbols associated with a bonus condition from process 1525 are
modified to reflect the bonus condition. As discussed above, this
modification can take many different forms. For example, a
multiplier may be associated with particular symbols so that if
they form a winning symbol combination in the second game, the
award associated with the winning symbol combination is multiplied
by the multiplier. In other examples, individual symbols may be
associated with bonus credit values, or have other bonus
functionality as discussed above.
[0091] Although FIG. 1 illustrates a particular implementation of
some of the embodiments of this invention in a casino or electronic
gaming machine ("EGM"), one or more devices may be programmed to
play various embodiments of the invention. The present invention
may be implemented, as shown in FIG. 1, as a casino gaming machine
or other special purpose gaming kiosk as described herein, or may
be implemented via computing systems operating under the direction
of local gaming software, and/or remotely-provided software such as
provided by an application service provider (ASP). Casino gaming
machines may also utilize computing systems to control and manage
the gaming activity, although these computing systems typically
include specialized components and/or functionality to operate the
particular elements of casino gaming machines. Additionally,
computing systems operating over networks, such as the Internet,
may also include specialized components and/or functionality to
operate elements particular to these systems, such as random number
generators. An example of a representative computing system capable
of carrying out operations in accordance with the invention is
illustrated in FIG. 16.
[0092] Hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof may be
used to perform the various gaming functions, display presentations
and operations described herein. The functional modules used in
connection with the invention may reside in a gaming machine as
described, or may alternatively reside on a stand-alone or
networked computer. The computing structure 1600 of FIG. 16 is an
example computing structure that can be used in connection with
such electronic gaming machines, computers, or other
computer-implemented devices to carry out operations of the present
invention. Although numerous components or elements are shown as
part of this computing structure 1600 in FIG. 16, additional or
fewer components may be utilized in particular implementations of
embodiments of the invention.
[0093] The example computing arrangement 1600 suitable for
performing the gaming functions in accordance with the present
invention typically includes a central processor (CPU) 1602 coupled
to random access memory (RAM) 1604 and some variation of read-only
memory (ROM) 1606. The ROM 1606 may also represent other types of
storage media to store programs, such as programmable ROM (PROM),
erasable PROM (EPROM), etc. The processor 1602 may communicate with
other internal and external components through input/output (I/O)
circuitry 1608 and bussing 1610, to provide control signals,
communication signals, and the like.
[0094] The computing arrangement 1600 may also include one or more
data storage devices, including hard and floppy disk drives 1612,
CD-ROM drives 1614, card reader 1615, and other hardware capable of
reading and/or storing information such as DVD, etc. In one
embodiment, software for carrying out the operations in accordance
with the present invention may be stored and distributed on a
CD-ROM 1616, diskette 1618, access card 1619, or other form of
computer readable media capable of portably storing information.
These storage media may be inserted into, and read by, devices such
as the CD-ROM drive 1614, the disk drive 1612, card reader 1615,
etc. The software may also be transmitted to the computing
arrangement 1600 via data signals, such as being downloaded
electronically via a network, such as local area network (casino,
property, or bank network) or a wide area network (e.g., the
Internet). Further, as previously described, the software for
carrying out the functions associated with the present invention
may alternatively be stored in internal memory/storage of the
computing device 1600, such as in the ROM 1606.
[0095] The computing arrangement 1600 is coupled to the display
1611, which represents a display on which the gaming activities in
accordance with the invention are presented. The display 1611
represents the "presentation" of the game information in accordance
with the invention, and may be a mechanical display showing
physical spinning reels, a video display, such as liquid crystal
displays, plasma displays, cathode ray tubes (CRT), digital light
processing (DLP) displays, liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS)
displays, etc., or any type of known display or presentation
screen.
[0096] Where the computing device 1600 represents a stand-alone or
networked computer, the display 1611 may represent a standard
computer terminal or display capable of displaying multiple
windows, frames, etc. Where the computing device 1600 represents a
mobile electronic device, the display 1611 may represent the video
display of the mobile electronic device. Where the computing device
1600 is embedded within an electronic gaming machine, the display
1611 corresponds to the display screen of the gaming
machine/kiosk.
[0097] A user input interface 1622 such as a mouse,
keyboard/keypad, microphone, touch pad, trackball, joystick, touch
screen, voice-recognition system, card reader, biometric scanner,
RFID detector, etc. may be provided. The user input interface 1622
may be used to input commands in the computing arrangement 1600,
such as placing wagers or initiating gaming events on the computing
arrangement 1600, inputting currency or other payment information
to establish a credit amount or wager amount, or inputting data to
identify a player for a player loyalty system. The display 1611 may
also act as a user input device, e.g., where the display 1611 is a
touchscreen device. In embodiments, where the computing device 1600
is implemented in a personal computer, tablet, smart phone, or
other consumer electronic device, the user interface and display
may be the available input/output mechanisms related to those
devices.
[0098] Chance-based gaming systems such as slot machines, in which
the present invention is applicable, are governed by random numbers
and processors, as facilitated by a random number generator (RNG).
The fixed and dynamic symbols generated as part of a gaming
activity may be produced using one or more RNGs. RNGs may be
implemented using hardware, software operable in connection with
the processor 1602, or some combination of hardware and software.
The present invention is operable using any known RNG, and may be
integrally programmed as part of the processor 1602 operation, or
alternatively may be a separate RNG controller 1640. The RNGs are
often protected by one or more security measures to prevent
tampering, such as by using secured circuitry, locks on the
physical game cabinet, and/or remote circuitry that transmits data
to the gaming device.
[0099] The computing arrangement 1600 may be connected to other
computing devices or gaming machines, such as via a network. The
computing arrangement 1600 may be connected to a network server
1628 in an intranet or local network configuration. The computer
may further be part of a larger network configuration as in a
global area network (GAN) such as the Internet. In such a case, the
computer may have access to one or more web servers via the
Internet. In other arrangements, the computing arrangement 1600 may
be configured as an Internet server and software for carrying out
the operations in accordance with the present invention may
interact with the player via one or more networks. The computing
arrangement 1600 may also be operable over a social network or
other network environment that may or may not regulate the wagering
and/or gaming activity associated with gaming events played on the
computing arrangement.
[0100] Other components directed to gaming machine implementations
include manners of gaming participant payment, and gaming machine
payout. For example, a gaming machine including the computing
arrangement 1600 may also include a payout controller 1642 to
receive a signal from the processor 1602 indicating a payout is to
made to a player and controlling a payout device 1644 to facilitate
payment of the payout to the player. In some embodiments, the
payout controller 1642 may independently determine the amount of
payout to be provided to the participant or player. In other
embodiments, the payout controller 1642 may be integrally
implemented with the processor 1602. The payout controller 1642 may
be a hopper controller, a print driver, credit-transmitting device,
bill-dispensing controller, accounting software, or other
controller device configured to verify and/or facilitate payment to
a player.
[0101] A payout device 1644 may also be provided in gaming machine
embodiments, where the payout device 1644 serves as the mechanism
providing the payout to the player or participant. In some
embodiments, the payout device may be a hopper, where the hopper
serves as the mechanism holding the coins/tokens of the machine,
and/or distributing the coins/tokens to the player in response to a
signal from the payout controller 1642. In other embodiments, the
payout device 1644 may be a printer mechanism structured to print
credit-based tickets that may be redeemed by the player for cash,
credit, or other casino value-based currency. In yet other
embodiments, the payout device 1644 may send a signal via the
network server 1628 or other device to electronically provide a
credit amount to an account associated with the player, such as a
credit card account or player loyalty account. The computing
arrangement 1600 may also include accounting data stored in one of
the memory devices 1604, 1606. This accounting data may be
transmitted to a casino accounting network or other network to
manage accounting statistics for the computing arrangement or to
provide verification data for the currency or currency-based
tickets distributed by the payout device, such as providing the
data associated with the bar codes printed on the currency-based
tickets so they are identifiable as valid tickets for a particular
amount when the player redeems them or inserts them in another
gaming device.
[0102] The wager input module or device 1646 represents any
mechanism for accepting coins, tokens, coupons, bills, electronic
fund transfer (EFT), tickets, credit cards, smart cards,
membership/loyalty cards, etc., for which a participant inputs a
wager amount. The wager input device 1646 may include magnetic
strip readers, bar code scanners, light sensors, or other detection
devices to identify and validate physical currency, currency-based
tickets, cards with magnetized-strips, or other medium inputted
into the wager input device. When a particular medium is received
in the wager input device 1646, a signal may be generated to
establish or increase an available credit amount or balance stored
in the internal memory/storage of the computing device 1600, such
as in the RAM 1604. Thereafter, specific wagers placed on games may
reduce the available credit amount, while awards won may increase
the available credit amount. It will be appreciated that the
primary gaming software 1632 may be able to control payouts via the
payout device 1644 and payout controller 1642 for independently
determined payout events.
[0103] Among other functions, the computing arrangement 1600
provides an interactive experience to players via an input
interface 1622 and output devices, such as the display 1611,
speaker 1630, etc. These experiences are generally controlled by
gaming software 1632 that controls a primary gaming activity of the
computing arrangement 1600. The gaming software 1632 may be
temporarily loaded into RAM 1604, and may be stored locally using
any combination of ROM 1606, drives 1612, media player 1614, or
other computer-readable storage media known in the art. The primary
gaming software 1632 may also be accessed remotely, such as via the
server 1628 or the Internet.
The primary gaming software 1632 in the computing arrangement 1600
may be an application software module. According to embodiments of
the present invention, this software 1632 provides a slot game or
similar game of chance as described hereinabove. For example, the
software 1632 may present, by way of the display 1611,
representations of symbols to map or otherwise display as part of a
slot based game having reels. However, in other embodiments, the
principles of this concept may be applied to poker games or other
types of games of chance. One or more aligned positions of these
game elements may be evaluated to determine awards based on a
paytable. The software 1632 may include instructions to provide
other functionality as known in the art or as described and shown
herein.
[0104] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments has
been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It
is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teaching. For example, the present
invention is equally applicable in electronic or mechanical gaming
machines, and is also applicable to live table versions of gaming
activities that are capable of being played in a table version
(e.g., machines involving poker or card games that could be played
via table games).
[0105] Some embodiments of the invention have been described above,
and in addition, some specific details are shown for purposes of
illustrating the inventive principles. However, numerous other
arrangements may be devised in accordance with the inventive
principles of this patent disclosure. Further, well known processes
have not been described in detail in order not to obscure the
invention. Thus, while the invention is described in conjunction
with the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings, it is
not limited to these embodiments or drawings. Rather, the invention
is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents
that come within the scope and spirit of the inventive principles
set out is the appended claims.
* * * * *